Michael Moynihan
Ceist:30 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice if he will indicate the total number of six day licensed premises in the Republic; and if he has any proposals to change such premises to seven day licensed trading.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensed Trading.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that 164 six day licences were issued in 1989.
I have no proposals at present for legislation which would allow six days licences to be converted into full seven day licences.
Whatever the historical reason for the six day licence, in view of the emphasis now being put on tourism, would the Minister not consider that it should be possible, and would be desirable, to extend these to seven day licences, especially in tourist areas?
I can understand the frustration of the six day licencees as they see their licensed neighbours and business rivals opening on a Sunday in tourist areas. The question of a new conversion scheme to full licences could be considered in the event of a major review of the licensing laws. However, I want to be frank with the House and with the Deputy; I have no plans at present for such a comprehensive review.
Will the Minister not accept that the problem of six day and seven day licences is one small example that highlights the need to undertake a major review? There are 11,000 licensed premises throughout the country, 50 per cent of which are selling four barrels of beer a week or less. The Vintners' Federation are now in the habit of conducting a campaign to purchase en bloc licences that become available which is having a serious effect on the entire licensed business to such an extent that we are not reflecting the needs of our community. Would the Minister accept that towns like Leixlip, Clane and Ashbourne on the perimeter of the capital are not in a position to provide the public with a licensed premises because of the outdated and outmoded licensing laws? How is the Minister going to surmount the problem?
The Deputy is talking about a complete new licensing Act and within the work programme that I have set down for myself a new licensing Act does not feature near the top of the list. I am not saying there is not a problem; it is just that there are so many problems.
If you concentrated less on RTE maybe you would find the time.
I will not answer that.